Abstract
Background Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are pain or severe discomfort that individuals experience as a result of work-related activities in the musculoskeletal system that may include muscles, bone, joints, tendons or ligaments. Aim The primary aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among undergraduate Sport and Movement Sciences, Optometry and Nursing students at the University of Johannesburg. The secondary aim was to identify the possible sociodemographic, environmental, occupational and psychosocial risk factors for developing these musculoskeletal disorders. Research methodology Out of a population of 600 students, a sample of 288 participants was drawn using random sampling with 81 being from Sports and Movement Sciences and 82 and 125 being from Optometry and Nursing respectively. A structured, Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was used to collect data. Data was analysed quantitatively using descriptive statistics and Chi-square cross-tabulations. Results and discussion The study found an 80% prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among the surveyed students, with nursing students having the highest group prevalence of 84% followed by optometry and sports and movement sciences students with 77% and 76% respectively. Females had a higher musculoskeletal disorder prevalence of 84% compared to males, 69%. Body regions where the highest number of students felt pain were lower back (77% of the students), neck region (71%) and the shoulders (63%). The study found statistically significant associations between musculoskeletal disorders prevalence and gender, weight and hours spent in class. vi Conclusion and recommendations The study recommended ergonomic interventions, more short breaks during lessons, training in optimal sitting postures and encouraging students to consult medical practitioners when experiencing musculoskeletal disorders, as a way of managing musculoskeletal disorders.
M.Tech. (Chiropractic)